It'll take up about 2GB of space on your computer (plus any apps you download), and when it launches, you'll be greeted with its customized home screen.
Since it uses virtualization to emulate Android, you'll want to jump into your computer's BIOS and enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V, if your computer supports it, for best performance.ĭownload and install BlueStacks as you would any other Windows or Mac application. Over the years, it's become the best Android app emulator around, and it's packed with features that ensure your apps and games run smoothly. If you're just looking to run a couple apps and don't need the emulator to look like Android, you should try BlueStacks.
But for quick access to Android apps you already have installed, it definitely works in a pinch. If you’re looking to play games, this may come with some delay and graphical blurriness, and you won’t be able to easily share files from your PC directly to an app in Android. At the time of writing, this feature is only available in Windows 10’s Insider Previews, but it should make its way to the mass-released version of Windows soon. Microsoft is working on expanding this feature even further, with the ability to pin Android apps on your taskbar and launch them individually, as long as your phone and computer are connected.
